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What is this Japanese Mauser?

Just looking through the catalogue of an upcoming auction here in Australia and have seen a listing for a "Japanese Mauser 98 B/A". I've never heard of such a thing and was wondering if anyone here could help identify it. A picture of the rifle can be found at http://www.australianarmsuctions.com...e_online_1.htm - it is item number 37.

Rule #6 states "Do not post of ongoing auctions. You may post when auctions are completed but no mention or promoting of auction items is allowed."

I have edited your link so that it no longer works, sorry but the rules are the rules. I tried to leave the photo link active but couldn't get it to work. It is a good rifle and hope that tplan's reply will answer your question and be all of the help you need. Keep posting and enjoy your Gunboards membership.

Its what appears to be a type 66 (1923) Siamese Mauser in 8x52R. The type 45's (1903) were in the original 8x50R Siamese. Main way to tell is to look at the sight bases. The Type 45's are "humped" to accommodate the slower velocity of the 8x50 round.

Its what appears to be a type 66 (1923) Siamese Mauser in 8x52R. The type 45's (1903) were in the original 8x50R Siamese. Main way to tell is to look at the sight bases. The Type 45's are "humped" to accommodate the slower velocity of the 8x50 round.

Here is my type 45 for comparison:

I believe the Type 66 is actually the Siamese Arisaka originally made in 8x52R, while the Type 46s were rechambered from 8x50R to 8x52R. You are correct that the visible difference between the two chamberings of the Mauser is the rear sight.
Nice rifle, it's not eay to find these in the original chambering.